Joao Neves Runs the Show as PSG Crush Inter Miami
What happens when Europe’s finest take on an MLS side that’s still trying to figure out defending? You get a Parisian demolition job in Atlanta. PSG rolled into town, played with flair, punished every mistake, and left Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami wondering if they accidentally walked into a Champions League final.
Joao Neves, a 20-year-old midfield maestro with the face of a teenager and the feet of a veteran, was the unlikely destroyer-in-chief. Not one, but two goals from the youngster who’s more known for breaking up play than finishing it.
Neves Unleashed: Two Goals, One Statement
The first came before anyone had even settled in, six minutes in, and Neves stooped low to head home Vitinha’s teasing free-kick. Like a kid diving for loose candy, he just wanted it more.
His second? A thing of beauty. A slick PSG passing sequence featuring Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz ended with Neves calmly slotting it in. It was poetry with studs on, and PSG were already dancing at 2-0.
Chaos, Comedy, and Class Before the Break
Then came the chaos. Tomas Aviles turned a Desire Doue cross into his own net (and probably into his nightmares). And right before halftime, Achraf Hakimi decided to join the party, his rebound off the bar returned to him like a boomerang, and he smashed it in to make it 4-0.
At this point, PSG were so dominant they could’ve put up a cricket score. But Luis Enrique had quarter-finals on his mind. Marquinhos and Ruiz were subbed off at the break. “We’ve seen enough,” said PSG. “Let’s save some legs.”
Messi’s Ghost Game & Dembele’s Return
Oh, and yes, Lionel Messi was playing. Maybe for the last time in front of a global audience. The 38-year-old had a few flashes, a couple of decent efforts, but this wasn’t his story. Inter Miami just couldn’t find him enough space or time, and PSG weren’t feeling generous.
Back on the other end, Ousmane Dembele made his return from injury, offering a quick cameo in the second half to keep Bayern or Flamengo guessing ahead of Saturday.
The Bigger Picture: PSG Mean Business
Let’s not forget: PSG walked into this tournament having blitzed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final. They’re not just European kings, they want the crown that says “World’s Best Club” in bold. And after this Miami mauling, who’s betting against them?
Neves now has five trophies in the bag this season: Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League, Nations League and maybe the Club World Cup next? Not bad for someone who had just nine career goals before this match.
This wasn’t just a game. It was a reminder. A statement. PSG are not here for the vibes, they’re here to collect hardware. And Joao Neves, the young man who rarely scores, just wrote the opening chapter of a potential fairytale ending.
As for Messi? If this was indeed his last dance under the global spotlight, the applause was respectful. But the stage belonged to a kid from Portugal, who may soon be the face of the next generation.
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